Overthinking is Killing Your Golf Game – Dr. Chris Niebauer #407

Overthinking is Killing Your Golf Game – Dr. Chris Niebauer #407

Author: Karl Morris May 1, 2026 Duration: 54:56

Are you overthinking your golf game? In this episode of The Mind Caddie, we're joined by Dr Chris Niebauer, author of No Self, No Problem, to explore how your thinking mind may be holding back your performance.

We dive into the science and psychology behind overthinking, focus, and mental performance—on and off the course. Dr Niebauer explains why the brain is wired for survival, not success, and how this outdated "prediction machine" can interfere with your ability to play freely and instinctively.

If you've ever felt stuck in your head instead of immersed in your game, this conversation will change how you see your mind—and your golf.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Why overthinking ruins performance in golf
  • The brain's survival bias and constant need to predict
  • "If you're thinking, you're not playing"
  • How to reconnect with your body and sensory awareness
  • Why simplicity beats complexity in sport
  • The limits of attention—and how to use it effectively
  • The "left brain interpreter" and the illusion of control
  • How to stop taking your thoughts so seriously
  • Finding freedom without trying to control your mind

This is a powerful, perspective-shifting conversation that will help you play with more freedom, clarity, and trust.

Find out more:


Karl Morris has spent years working as a performance coach with some of the best golfers in Europe, and in Mind Caddie-Improve Your Mental Golf Game, he shares that expertise directly with you. This isn't just about swing thoughts or technical fixes; it's a deep, practical exploration of the psychology that dictates performance on the course. The conversation moves beyond simple positive thinking to address the real challenges players face: handling frustration after a bad hole, maintaining focus over eighteen holes, and building a resilient confidence that doesn't vanish under tournament pressure. Each episode feels like a personal session, breaking down the mental frameworks used by tour professionals into actionable strategies for any committed player. You'll hear discussions on managing expectations, creating effective pre-shot routines, and understanding how your brain can be your greatest asset or your biggest obstacle. The aim is to provide the tools that help you access your best game more often, turning those range sessions into reliable performance when it truly counts. Tune into this podcast for honest, nuanced talks that get to the heart of why we play the way we do, offering a distinct advantage that has nothing to do with new equipment and everything to do with the space between your ears.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Mind Caddie - Improve Your Mental Golf Game
Podcast Episodes
How Low Can you Go? – David Alexander and Chris Donaldson #410 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:15
Today on the Mind Caddie, I'm joined by the hosts of the hugely popular golf podcast How Low Can You Go? — David Alexander and Chris Donaldson. I first met David and Chris at the Mind Caddie seminar at Murrayfield Golf C…
Mind Caddie - Improve Your Mental Golf Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:49
Improve your golf mental game and play your best golf — consistently. Welcome to the Mind Caddie Podcast, the go-to golf psychology podcast for players who want to sharpen their mindset, build confidence, and perform und…
The Many Secrets of Ben Hogan – Part Two – Jim Waldron #405 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:58
Today on The Mind Caddie, we welcome back renowned coach Jim Waldron as we continue our conversation into The Many Secrets of Ben Hogan—following the incredible response to our first conversation. This episode goes far b…